Super Bowl XXXVIII

Lore & Background

The Panthers were making their first ever Super Bowl appearance after posting an 11–5 regular season record. The Patriots, led by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, were seeking their second Super Bowl title in three years after posting a 14–2 record. NFL fans and sports writers widely consider this game one of the most well-played and thrilling Super Bowls; following the game Sports Illustrated writer Peter King hailed it as the 'Greatest Super Bowl of all time.' Although neither team could score in the first and third quarters, making it the first ever Super Bowl with two scoreless quarters, they ended up with a combined total of 868 yards and 61 points. The game was scoreless for a Super Bowl record 26:55 before the two teams combined for 24 points prior to halftime. The clubs then combined for a Super Bowl record 37 points in the fourth quarter. The contest was finally decided when the Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri's 41-yard field goal was made with four seconds left. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP for the second time in his career. The game is also known for its controversial halftime show in which Janet Jackson's breast, adorned with a nipple shield, was exposed by Justin Timberlake for about half a second, in what was later referred to as a 'wardrobe malfunction.'

In Their Own Story

Neither team scored in the first or third quarters, creating the first Super Bowl with two scoreless periods. The game remained deadlocked at halftime with 24 combined points and was scoreless for a record 26:55 before that surge. In the fourth quarter, the clubs combined for a Super Bowl record 37 points. With four seconds left, the contest was decided when Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri made a 41-yard field goal. Tom Brady was named MVP for the second time in his career after completing 317 of 527 passes for 3,620 yards and 23 touchdowns during the season.

Reader's Guide

The Patriots' defense did not include Mike Rucker; Mike Rucker was a defensive end for the Carolina Panthers, recording 12 sacks and an interception during the season. The Patriots' defense is not described in detail in the source beyond noting the cutting of Lawyer Milloy before the season.

Did You Know?

• This was the first Super Bowl to be played in a retractable roof stadium, though the roof remained closed during the game.
• The game was the first Super Bowl scheduled for the first Sunday of February; subsequent Super Bowls through LV followed this format.
• The Panthers made their first Super Bowl appearance after posting a 1–15 record just two years earlier.